Health

Cinnamon is proving to be a spice that not only adds flavor to various dishes but can also cure many infections and diseases. Several research studies are being conducted in various parts of the world about the benefits of cinnamon for diabetes, hair loss, cholesterol, memory, arthritis, skin, and more.

A topical application of cinnamon with honey has been used get rid pimples, ringworms, eczema, and other skin infections. This is a wonderful spice!

Anti Aging

Cinnamon is said to improve fine lines by plumping the skin. This means that using cinnamon can stimulate blood vessels and bring blood to the surface of the skin.

Use a mixture of three drops essential oil of cinnamon and two tablespoon olive oil or petroleum jelly. Apply this mixture to fine lines on the skin, taking care to avoid the eyes. The skin soon plumps out and fine lines become less visible. This can even be done to plump up lips and can be used as an alternative to lip gloss.

Moreover, cinnamon used on the skin seems to increase collagen levels for up to six hours after it is applied. Breakdown of collagen causes the skin to lose elasticity and increases signs of aging. Cinnamon seems to increase collage expression on the skin through cinnamaldehyde, its main chemical component. Topical cinnamon creams could be used to activate growth factors IGF-1 and improve collagen expression.

Acne Treatment

Cinnamon is said to help with treatment of acne and pimples. Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder and three tablespoons of honey and apply on pimples. Leave this paste overnight—or for twenty minutes—before washing with warm water. Acne scars can dry out and skin can get rejuvenated. This paste can also de-clog pores and bring oxygen and blood to the surface. However, because of the possibilities of skin irritation, this should not be used more than once a week. Additionally, cinnamon has antiseptic properties. If you have an open cut or wound, just dust a pinch of cinnamon over it. Bacteria will be killed and the wound heals faster.

The next time you are searching for a quick masque with multiple benefits, make sure you feature cinnamon.

I was part of a competitive swim team for six years. Not only did I make some of my best friends on the team, but, in a few months, I was in the best shape of my life. Swimming offers something no other aerobic exercise does: the ability to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. Your body is lighter in the water—the deeper you are submerged, the less weight your body needs to support. When submerged up to your neck, 90% of your weight is supported by the pool. The pool is also the perfect place to work stiff muscles and sore joints, especially if you’re overweight or suffer from arthritis.

Unlike exercise machines in a gym—like a bicep curl or a bench press—that tend to isolate one body part at a time, swimming puts the body through a broad range of motions that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. The arms move in wide motions, the hips are engaged as the legs scissor through the water, and the head and spine twist from side to side. Plus, as you reach forward with every stroke, you’re lengthening your body, which is more efficient to move in the water and also helps give you a good stretch from head to toe.

To improve your flexibility beyond swimming, you might also want to finish your pool workout with a series of gentle stretches. The support of the water should help you maintain positions involving tricky balance such as a quadriceps stretch. Swimming truly is helpful for everyone and every body type.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil belongs in the kitchen and on your skin. Apply it directly to your skin; it’s got tons of vitamin E and good fats to give your skin all the moisture it needs.

Water

Drinking water for skin hydration is a topic that is highly debated, so let’s break it down. Your skin is an organ and is made up of cells. Those cells (like most cells) are mostly made up of water. Without that water, cells and organs would not be able to function. You lose lots of water daily, naturally, so it’s important to rehydrate your body and your skin when that hydration is lost. The truth is that water will mostly likely reach all your other organs before it reaches your skin, so definitely make sure to drink a couple of extra glasses a day.

Avocados

A fan of avocados? Great! These fruits are full of vitamins C, E and monounsaturated fats—great for locking in moisture and promoting over all skin health.

Fish

Carrots

Next time you take a trip to grocery store, steer towards some yellow and orange veggies. The reason certain veggies take on this color is because they have the antioxidant beta-carotene in them. This particular antioxidant helps to fight off the sun rays and other environmental aggressors and help prevent or soothe dry skin.

Spinach

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale contain iron, omega-4s, and vitamins A, B and E. All of those not only help your skin’s overall health, but help give your immune system a nice boost.

Fruits

The majority of fruits contain lots of vitamin A and C which helps to replenish your skin’s nutrients and promote collagen production.

Nuts

In just one nut you will find omega 3s, vitamins A, B and E, minerals, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. Therefore, eating nuts throughout the day helps give your skin hydration, promote elasticity, protect you against free radical and pollutants, and regenerate cells.

Eggs

Eggs have very high levels of protein which is great in aiding cell regeneration. They also contain sulfur and lutein, both of which help to promote skin hydration and elasticity.

The use of oils to treat various issues has been around the since Ancient Egyptians in 1500 B.C. The Bible also referencing remedies using oils. The oils can help with conditions from depression to fatigue, from skin issues to muscle tension.

There is an oil for almost everyone. Oils can have a healing effect mentally, emotionally, and physically. These five oils can benefit your life in a natural, easy, and effective way through the natural healing properties they possess.

Lavender is very versatile. Well known for its calming effects, lavender also works on cuts, bruises, and skin irritations. It can reduce stress hormones in your blood. Just add a few drops to your next warm bath or to your pillow for a good nights rest.

Tea Tree oil derives from Australia and is for topical use only. It is a natural antiseptic with many uses. Used as a natural deodorant by many, it also helps treat blemishes by dabbing onto skin with a cotton ball. It can be used for fungal infections such as athletes foot. It can be added to your shampoo to naturally prevent lice. The next time you’re camping, bring tea tree with you for ticks. A couple of drops on the tick and they will usually unlatch.

Peppermint is excellent for stimulating the mind and creating mental alertness. It is said that inhaling peppermint oil can improve mental alertness. Peppermint can be taken internally and it can help with indigestion by mixing a few drops into a glass of water.

Frankincense is one of the oils that has been around for thousands of years. Referenced in the Bible as a gift brought to Jesus, it was valued in ancient times because of its healing properties and uses as a perfume. People across North Africa and the Arab world still believe in the power of Frankincense and use the oil to help treat arthritis. As time has gone on, the rest of the world has been discovering its uses for depression, inflammation, immunity, alertness, and the healing of minor cuts and bug bites. Add a few drops to your next warm bath to ensure deep relaxation.

Lemon oil is probably one of the best known oils, and for a good reason. Adding a few drops to warm water in the morning can be a great and natural way to detoxify your body and boost mental alertness. It can also increase focus and concentration with its uplifting properties. Not only does it work from the inside, but also on the outside of the skin to help clear acne. Your pets will love you too by adding a few drops on the back of their neck to help keep fleas away and give them a nice fresh scent.

There are many more essential oils that have proven to provide positive effects on people for thousands of years. Explore these natural products and see how they can benefit your life.

Rice water is rich in minerals and vitamins that make it fantastic for both skin and hair. What’s more, this beauty secret has been utilized by flawless-skinned Japanese Geishas for centuries. Rice is rich in a complex of B vitamins called “inositol” which helps promote cell growth, slows down the aging process, and stimulates blood flow.

Rice water can tighten pores, bringing an abundance of radiance to the face and body. Furthermore, rice water is moisturizing and contains antioxidant and UV-absorbing properties. It also has the ability to bind to naturally occurring copper in the skin, thereby preventing the formation of melanin (hyper-pigmentation) and age spots. Moreover, the soothing nature of rice water makes it an effective remedy for rashes and other irritating or painful skin conditions.

In a dermatological study at Brussels University, patients with atopic dermatitis—chronic inflammation of the skin—saw a 20% improvement after taking 15-minute baths filled with rice water twice a day.

Not only is rice water great for the skin, but it is also great for your hair. Rinsing or washing your hair with rice water improves manageability and protects it from future damage. In addition, the amino acids in the rice water strengthens the hair roots, adds volume and sheen, and makes hair silky smooth.

Now that you know about the benefits of rice water, your next question is probably: “How do I make it?” It’s super easy to make:

Boil some rice, preferably organic rice boiled in distilled water.

Pour the excess water in a lidded glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

Once cooled, the rice water will be a potent ingredient for crystal clear skin and super-shiny hair.

Who knew that something we usually pour down the drain could be so beneficial?

Cellulite is a particularly unattractive disorder of the subcutaneous tissue. Typically, it is caused from an excess of toxins stored in the fatty tissue. It presents as a rippling or cottage cheese appearance typically in the thighs and buttocks and can be difficult to get rid of. Women are especially prone to cellulite because we store more fat; it can be seen on even the thinnest of women.

For ladies who seek to improve the appearance of stubborn cellulite, it’s all about harnessing the power of your lymphatic system.

First, good old fashioned cardiovascular activity is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving in order to move those toxins out of your body. Running is an excellent way to accomplish this; it gets your heart rate up high enough to increase circulation, thereby increasing the movement of lymph. Any time you’re raising your heart rate and doing cardio exercises, you are helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Another approach is through massage therapy. Having a Swedish massage helps to drain toxins and move the lymph–which carries fat–out of your system. If you are fortunate enough to receive massage on a regular basis, it can tone muscles as well as remove toxins that are sitting below the skin. Not only is massage relaxing and beneficial to the nervous system and muscular tissue, but it is a healthy way to eliminate waste products in the body. Be sure to drink plenty of water following a massage in order to expedite the removal of wastes.

A third way to improve the appearance of cellulite is via dry brushing. Dry brushing uses a brush or gloves on dry skin in light sweeping motions to help the lymphatic system to do its job. Start on the legs or arms and always brush towards the heart. This practice can be done daily, and is a beneficial practice for anyone looking to detoxify.

Everyone wants smooth, healthy skin. If you’re bothered by pesky little bumps that feel rough to the touch, you’re not alone. Those bumps might be keratosis pilaris — check with your doctor or dermatologist to be sure. While the bumps are harmless and painless, they can be difficult to treat.

This condition is common in children and young adults and can sometimes resolve itself by early adulthood. It is important to have a skin specialist or dermatologist examine your skin to make a concise diagnosis.

If you run your hand along the back of your arm and it has a bumpy or rough texture, you could have keratosis pilaris. The bumps are often in patches and can resemble a “goose-like flesh” or “chicken skin”. They appear white and are somewhat hard to notice from a quick glance. They are most commonly found on the back of your arms, although they can also be found on the cheeks, thighs, and buttocks. They can become red, but are not painful, and are generally not itchy or cause any kind of discomfort.

These bumps can also become inflamed, and can scar if they are picked at or scratched. Keratosis pilaris is caused from the build-up of keratin under the skin’s surface. The keratin develops a scaly plug that blocks the hair follicle at the opening. The result is bumpy skin.

If you have keratosis pilaris, you want to know how to get rid of the problem. While keratosis pilaris is not curable, you can lessen the appearance and signs. It can be challenging to treat, but you can usually reduce the appearance of the bumps and redness over time.

A topical retinoid therapy using Vitamin A can promote cell turnover and keep the follicle from getting plugged. A topical exfoliant or medicated cream containing alpha-hydroxy acids and moisturizers can soften the dried out skin and remove dead skin cells. Green tea also helps reduce the visible redness and bumps associated with irritated dry skin and keratosis pilaris.

Being consistent with your skin care will help keep your keratosis pilaris under control and replenish a smooth skin finish. Before trying medical grade products to treat this skin disorder, I would definitely recommend trying just a simple exfoliating scrub; this alone can do wonders for your skin tone and texture.

When using an exfoliating scrub, apply generously to the affected area and rub in with your hands in an upward motion to slough away dead skins cells more effectively. Do this one to two times weekly and apply a moisturizer after to keep the skin hydrated.

Being in the Esthetics program, my focus is on skin care. We spend many hours learning about the skin on different levels. We study skin diseases and disorders. We study the various types of skin based on hydration, or lack thereof. We spend a lot of time learning about ingredients and products to put topically on the skin to address and balance each person’s unique issues.

It’s also very important to treat the skin from the inside out. It’s important for the skin to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. But what are good foods and herbs that can enhance and beautify the skin?

Certain foods have powerhouse ingredients that keeps the skin supple and smooth and help to fight age related damage.

Per serving, strawberries have more anti-aging vitamin C than oranges or grapefruit. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that people who eat foods rich in Vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age related dry skin than those who don’t. Vitamin C fights free radicals, which damage cells and breaks down collagen, leading to fine lines. You can also apply a berry mask for smoother, more hydrated skin.

Olive oil is another powerhouse for the skin. It has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. You can use it topically to soften skin and create more radiance. It is also wonderful as a lipgloss or for rough patches of skin that may occur on the elbows or knees.

Another excellent addition to the diet is green tea. It is filled with antioxidants. There are studies that show drinking green tea may reduce your risk of skin cancer. Green tea contains tannins which act as an astringent. When applied to the skin it can reduce puffiness. You can use this feature of green tea on your eyes: chill damp tea bags in the fridge and put on eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.

Lemons are with filled with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (lukewarm is recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water, some of which are listed below.

Reduces inflammation

If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

Aids in digestion

Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating.

Suppresses hunger

Cleanses your system

It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.

Keeps your skin clean and clear

The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance and, because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.

Boosts your immune system

Vitamin C is very important for our immune system and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why it is recommended to take extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.

Excellent source of potassium

Lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.

Freshens your breath

It helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis. Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water. Wait a bit until the citric acid has been diluted from your teeth.

Gives you an energy boost

Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system.

Helps you cut out caffeine

Replacing your morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water can do wonders! You will feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that afternoon crash. Plus, your nerves will definitely be thankful.

Helps fight viral infections

Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and the sore throats they cause. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll also help fight off the infection completely.

Ayurveda, which originated in India in ancient times, is a traditional form of healthcare that uses holistic healing practices customized to each person which takes into account the need for nutrition, exercise, hygiene, social interaction, and other lifestyle elements. Ayurvedic theory uses the principal that everything in the universe is interconnected including mind, body, and spirit. And when we are in harmony with our environment, we’re able to keep a peaceful inner equilibrium. Aveda uses Ayurvedic theory to promote good health and keep the body in balance.

Each individual’s mind/body makeup can thrive in a particular environment. But when we are out of harmony with our environment, the body can suffer. As humans, we are constantly affected by everything around us including sights, tastes, smells, and things we hear. All the energy transfers we encounter can wear out the body. Ayurveda tries to prevent illness by using natural forms of medicine derived from plants, minerals, and roots to restore the body’s delicate balance through detoxifying, energizing, or soothing the individual.

Interestingly, there is even an Ayurvedic diet. Everyone has different needs but a basic introduction to an Ayurvedic diet isn’t what you might think—it’s not just beans, vegetables, and grains. It can be applied to any diet.

The saying “you are what you eat” is literally true, especially because what we eat affects our emotions. Our digestion is sensitive and, when we eat things that don’t agree with us, it upsets the stomach leading to an uncomfortable feeling. Bad digestion can be upsetting both physically and psychologically.

Ayurveda recognizes six tastes and it’s important to have all six of these tastes in your diet every day to contribute to feeling satisfied at the end of your meal. The six tastes are:

sweet (sugar, honey, rice, pasta)

sour (lemons, hard cheese, plain yogurt)

salty (salt, cured meats, anything salty)

pungent (chili peppers, ginger, hot spices)

bitter (leafy greens, turmeric)

astringent (pomegranate, green apples, cauliflower)

These are listed in the order they are digested by your body. Sweet gets digested first. So it’s a bad idea to have dessert at the end of the meal. It’s better to put it at the beginning. Salad, on the other hand, is good near the end of the meal.

The Ayurveda diet uses a holistic approach to caring for your digestion. You can learn how and what to use in order to apply Ayurvedic remedies into a balanced lifestyle by taking a Dosha Quiz. Good luck on your journey to balanced health!

These days, there seems to be a lot of mindfulness around the water we drink. When shopping at your local market, there are endless options for an individual to choose from. For our hydration, there are bottles labeled spring water, sparkling water, alkaline water, even black water is available. With the endless options at our fingertips, how do we chose something as simple as drinking water, and what is the difference between these choices?

If you have never stopped to consider what distilled water will do for your body versus what mineral or alkaline water will do, this blog post may answer some questions for you. For most people, the words “distilled water” are synonymous with purity and cleanliness. However, distilled water may not be the best choice to hydrate and quench your thirst. Distilled water has undergone a process of distillation, in which you take hard water, or water full of different minerals (good and bad), and turn it into soft water by means of vaporization and condensation. This new water is pH neutral and contains no traces of minerals. Because our bodies need minerals such as calcium and magnesium in order to hydrate and maintain the health of our cells, you can see why distilled water is not the optimum choice for providing the body with nutrients. Furthermore, distilled water has the ability to attract minerals to it. This means it can collect the bodys minerals as well as toxins and flush the system clean. This water may be great for a temporary cleanse, but living on distilled water can be quite harmful.

On the flip side, there is “mineral water”. Most of the time, these are carbonated water, with a varying degree of mineral content. This water is normally bottled at the source and contains minerals that our cells need for optimum hydration. Our muscles, cells, bones, and tissues need these minerals in order to maintain health, so choosing a mineral water labeled high mineral content is a great choice when seeking hydration.

Another choice, and by far the best choice of drinking water, is water that is labeled “Alkaline Water.” Alkaline water has a higher, stabilized pH normally of about 8-9. This alkaline pH means that this water contains many electrolytes, the key to our body’s hydration. Our body needs these chemicals in order to transmit electrical messages. When at all possible, this is the water that will give the body the most nutrients, and provide the cells with much needed energy. In addition the alkaline pH will help to provide balance from so many acidic foods that we eat and drink, such as coffee, chocolate, meat, and dairy items. An individual with chronic dehydration (often seen through fine lines on the face) should strive to drink water that is alkaline to balance and hydrate.

Lastly, if tap water is the only option, using a filter can help to rid the water of heavy metals that can be harmful to the body. In addition, a slice of lemon can alkalize your water, and provide your body with a healthy jumpstart each morning.

Psoriasis is a very common chronic skin disorder. It causes skin cells to reproduce too quickly resulting in thick, dry, scaly patches that can be red, white, or almost silver in color. These patches are itchy and can be painful, but most of all, they can be embarrassing for the person affected.

I have suffered with psoriasis on my scalp and neck for a few years now, and I’ve tried many different treatments including creams and ointments both over the counter and prescribed by physicians. The results have always been the same. They help for a while and then, in a few weeks, the symptoms and my embarrassment return.

Recently, I’ve started a new treatment. It is called High Frequency Electrotherapy which uses an electric current to stimulate the surface of the scalp and local blood circulation, improve the process of nourishment, stimulate local glandular activity, and supply heat to sooth the nervous system of the scalp. These benefits all help decrease the irritation and symptoms of psoriasis.

I’ve personally been doing a high frequency treatment for 10 minutes three days a week for the past three weeks. I’ve seen a significant reduction in my symptoms—enough that I’m finally comfortable wearing my hair in a ponytail which I have not done in years! I highly recommend high frequency treatments for anyone with psoriasis. It’s been a life changer for me.

Everyone is probably very familiar with Aloe Vera as a treatment for burns. However, Aloe Vera has a host of other skin and body healing properties. The Ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.”

There are many studies that back up the effectiveness of Aloe Vera in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, and scalp problems.

Aloe treats sunburns through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It helps the skin to heal quickly.

Aloe acts as a moisturizer without giving it a greasy feel, so it is perfect for anyone with oily skin. Aloe is also great for treating acne. The gel contains two hormones Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones contain wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema.

Aloe Vera is also widely used in anti-aging products. Aloe leaves many antioxidants including beta carotene, and vitamins C and E, that help improve the skin’s natural firmness and helps keep the skin hydrated. Aloe also lessons the visibility of stretch marks.

Besides being an effective skin treatment, Aloe is nutrient rich for good health. The solid material contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, antraquinones, or phoenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids, and salicylate acid. It also helps to aid in digestion when taken internally.

Aloe Vera is one amazing, medicinal plant that anyone who cares about health and skin wellness should know about.

Yoga is a practice that is full of spiritual and physical techniques to connect the mind, body, and soul as one. Expected outcomes of yoga include ease of understanding, total relaxation, and even enlightenment. Full of both physical and psychological benefits, it is no surprise that yoga is done around the world; from serious, traditional classes in the heart of India, to the body-toning hot yoga class down the street.

While there are many different kinds, a form of yoga that has not gained much attention is a frontal muscle workout that goes by the name of “face yoga.” Face yoga refers to the exercising of the muscles in the face, and can be done to tighten, tone, and combat signs of aging.

How does it work? Well, the muscles’ movement increases blood circulation in the face, allowing more oxygen to pass through and replenish cells in the area. The techniques can also aid in the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in supple and smooth skin.

Some of the facial moves look odd as they include widening the eyes and sticking out your tongue. However the exercises are performed, here is a video that includes some methods you can try out.

Practicing face yoga for only five minutes everyday can bring great results in reducing signs of aging. Results can be noticed in as little as two weeks and, over time, the look of visible wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin can be reversed.

Drinking a certain volume of water daily, depending on your weight, can do wonders for your body and skin. Some of you add a lemon to your water when you’re out at a restaurant, but do you know the benefits of drinking lemon water?

When you add lemon to your water it adds vitamin C, which has numerous health benefits. Vitamin C is essential for normal growth and development. A single lemon contains around 30-40 mg. of vitamin C in comparison to an orange which contains around 80-90 mg.

Vitamin C has been studied extensively and shown to have a myriad of health benefits, protecting against: prenatal problems, cardiovascular disease, eye diseases, skin wrinkles, and immune system deficiencies.

Putting lemon in your water brings your water, eventually, to an alkaline state. Water, for the most part, has a neutral PH of about 7.0, which means it is neither basic (alkaline) nor acidic. Anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. The alkalinity of water is a measure of its ability to neutralize acids. A fresh lemon added to your drinking water will also make your purified drinking water more alkaline. Though it seems counter-intuitive to think that adding an acidic lemon to your purified drinking water could ultimately produce an alkaline result, it’s important to remember that fresh lemons are also anionic. Once you drink the acidic lemon water, it will become alkaline as your body reacts with the lemons’ anions during the digestive process. Use fresh lemons that haven’t been exposed to air for more than 30 minutes; do not use lemon juice that you can buy in a container from the store.

Vitamin C keeps you healthy and fit in five important ways:

Helps treat common cold symptoms. Although there is no proof vitamin C can prevent cold, studies do show that vitamin C can reduce the severity of cold symptoms and the duration of the cold. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine; it reduces the levels of histamine.

Can be a natural cure for skin problems. Vitamin C is used to treat a lot of skin related problems. It is now used in moisturizers and masks for a natural glow to the skin.

Improves asthma symptoms. Vitamin C, being an antioxidant and antihistamine, improves the function of the lungs and airways.

Helps reduce arthritis symptoms. Arthritis is caused by the collapse of cellular process the help in the production maintenance and repair of cartilaginous tissues. Since Vitamin C is required for collagen production, it helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling of joints in people with arthritis.

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Some of these harmful effects are immediate.

Did you know second-hand smoke is even more dangerous than the smoke you inhale when smoking? second-hand smoke doesn’t go through the filter at the end of the cigarette, it just goes directly into your lungs. The levels of nicotine, tar, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide are at least twice as high in second-hand smoke.

If you smoke, or if you breathe in second-hand smoke, you’re getting a lot of skin damage. The collagen destroying enzymes (MMPs) ramp us when exposed to tobacco smoke, causing increased wrinkling and visible aging of the skin. Aging of the skin means that it droops, develops wrinkles and lines, and can become dry and coarse with uneven skin coloring and broken blood vessels (telangiectasia). Smokers often appear gaunt and develop an orange or gray complexion.

Women who smoke have a harder time getting pregnant and, if they conceive, can harm the health of their baby. Smoking can also lead to early menopause, which increases your risk of developing certain diseases like heart disease.

Smoking delays wound healing, including skin injuries and surgical wounds. It increases the risk of wound infection, graft or flap failure, death of tissue, and the formation of blood clots.

Smokers have bigger bellies and less muscle than non-smokers. They are more likely to develop type two diabetes, even if they don’t smoke every day. Smoking also makes it harder to control diabetes once you already have it. Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and amputations.

As if lung cancer wasn’t enough, you need to know that smoking causes much more than just lung cancer.

How is your Deodorant working for you? Do you use a commercial deodorant product advertised on television?

How would you feel if I told you that most of those deodorants contain cancer-causing ingredients? Well, it’s true, they do. Many contain preservatives called parabens that cause hormone disruption—specifically, they mimic estrogen—and can cause DNA damage that could lead to breast cancer. You can recognize parabens in the ingredient list: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or benzylparaben.

And do you think it’s good for your armpits not to sweat? No it’s not good. If you’re using an antiperspirant, it blocks your sebaceous glands from producing the sweat that should to help cool the body. You may think you will sweat more if you don’t use an antiperspirant; at first you will, but once your body becomes regulated and back to its natural state, you will not sweat as much and the odor will reduce.

When you decide to do the switch, you will notice changes. Aluminum is the main antiperspirant ingredient in almost all deodorants. Aluminum-based compounds are used to plug up sweat glands. Aluminum may be harmful when placed on to the skin or the breast; it also mimics estrogen-like cells that cause a hormonal effect which may contribute to breast cancer.

Now, remember, what you eat comes out through your pores. So even if you’re using a natural deodorant, if you eat greasy fast food, you’ll most likely still have an odor. Your body cleanses by expelling the toxins through your pores as well as your digestive tract. So eat healthier and you won’t have as much odor. A natural deodorant can mask the occasional scent.

Chlorophyll is also a natural plant-derived ingredient. Chlorophyll can be found in plants and gives them their green color, and it may help protect the body from cancer from the inside out. When ingested, it helps oxygenate the blood and cancer cells don’t thrive in oxygen. So eating a lot of leafy greens will help and act as an internal deodorant.

So which natural deodorant should you use? That all depends upon you. What scents do you like? Are you sensitive to certain oils or plants? If you’re still not sure, make a list of your likes of herbs and oils that help as a natural deodorant. You can even make your own; it’s very simple and cheap and you can have a lot left to make more in the future.

Here is a simple recipe that I use:

1 cup coconut oil (antibacterial)

1 cup baking soda

¼ cup arrowroot powder

10 drops tea tree oil

Just put it all in a cup and mix it all together and you will have a natural, healthy, safe, deodorant!

You can put it in a jar and use a scoop to get it out and rub onto your under arms.

Remember that it will take about 12 days to acclimate your body to the use of natural deodorant. So, be patient, and know that you will be reducing your risk of breast cancer by switching over to natural deodorant.

When you are older, you don’t need to have as much sleep as you did when you’re younger. However, there are many studies that prove we need at least eight hours of sleep every night. Getting eight hours of sleep can not only make you feel much better throughout the day, but can also help make you look better, too.

New research from the Sleep School in London and Benson Beds shows that if you miss two hours of sleep—only get six hours a night—for five days, it can have a big impact on your face. The study consisted of 30 woman who took photos of their faces after eight hours of sleep and then came back after five days of only six hours of sleep. Fine lines were increased by 45% where spots increased by 13%. There was 16% more bacteria found on the skin and redness went up 8% as well.

So go to bed early! Wash off your makeup, cleanse your face, put moisturizer on, and use those eight hours of sleep for your face to replenish itself. You will look more alive in the morning and your skin will glow. Compare that to less sleep with bags under your eyes and and redness. Whenever you’re able, hit that snooze button more often!

School can be an incredibly grueling time where you can’t find much time for yourself. All of us who have gone through the beauty school process understand how you feel! Balancing school, work, and a social life can be almost intimidating. There are a few sweet little things you can do to rest your mind and your body and keep yourself balanced.

After a long day at school, go home and take a bath with a bath bomb. Not only will this relax your muscles but it will help you unwind so you can sleep better.

Use tea bag compresses to keep the area under your eyes from looking tired. I like to take two green tea bags and make a cup of tea. Take out the tea bags, squeeze out the excess water, and put them in the fridge for ten minutes, and enjoy your tea while you wait. Once they’ve cooled down, apply them to your under eye area for 10 to 15 minutes. Your under eyes will seriously thank you.

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in India for a long time. It is what gives curry and mustard their yellow color. Not only is it used for food, but also as a medicinal herb. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is an antioxidant. Curcumin has anti inflammatory effects and fights free radicals in the body. It also increases the antioxidants in the body. Curcumin is more easily absorbed into the body with the aid of piperine in black pepper. There have been studies showing that turmeric can prevent or delay arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

There are many ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet—of course, the easiest way is to sprinkle some on your food. My favorite way to take turmeric is by making Golden Milk. It is a drink made with any warm milk that you like, turmeric paste, black pepper, and an oil of your choosing. This is a great drink to have before bed due to its relaxing and immune boosting properties.

Turmeric Paste

½ cup turmeric powder

1 cup water

1½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cook turmeric powder and water together over low heat, constantly stirring until a thick paste has formed. More water may be needed. Add black pepper, stir to incorporate. Allow to cool, then store in a glass jar.

Remember that turmeric stains, so avoid plastic containers.

Paste is best for 2-3 weeks.

Golden Milk

¼ teaspoon turmeric paste

1 cup almond milk, soy, coconut, or hemp milk, or a combination

1 teaspoon Udo’s or coconut oil

Honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup

Cook all the ingredients, except the honey or syrup, together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the ingredients are mixed well, do not boil. Add honey or syrup to taste and enjoy!

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The opinions expressed in each of these blog posts are those of its author, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Cinta Aveda Institute, its principals, administrators, contractors, faculty, or students.

No representations of accuracy are made by the Institute as to any of the posts on this blog. The instructions and advice found here comes without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Consult with your own medical professional before taking advice or using a product that could affect your health.

Links to external resources or references to the products and services of others do not constitute an endorsement of the site, services, products, or content found therein. Beauty products and techniques may have results that vary from person to person. Any use of the information found on this blog is entirely at your own risk.